HomeNEWSClub Owner Storms Pitch With Pistol, during live match in Greece

Club Owner Storms Pitch With Pistol, during live match in Greece

There was a near pandemonium when the president of Greek top-flight side POAK Salonika, Ivan Savvidis, invaded the pitch with a gun during his side’s match against AEK Athens on Sunday after a goal was disallowed.
Savvidis tried to confront the referee with a gun in a hip holster after his side had an 89th-minute goal ruled offside with the score 0-0 at the time.

The clash between the teams had to be suspended due to a pitch invasion by fans and the home side’s president, as AEK’s players left the pitch concerned for their safety and did not return.

It was however later reported that the referee had reversed his decision.

World football governing body, FIFA said it is “aware” of the incident and “fully condemns such behaviour” but added that any disciplinary measures “fall under the jurisdiction of the Greek FA”.

Greece’s deputy culture and sports minister Georgios Vassiliadis said the situation called for “bold decisions”.
Savvidis, one of Greece’s richest men, was born in Georgia of Greek heritage and is a former member of the Russian parliament.
He asked his team to leave the pitch following the offside decision then marched towards the referee before being pulled back by bodyguards.
PAOK are third in the Greek top flight and could have moved within two points of leaders AEK with a win.